Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks for Pain Management
Ultrasound guided nerve blocks are a contemporary form of chronic pain management. Although the name sounds intimidating, this treatment is used frequently and is considered low-risk and effective. Read on to learn more about how it may be able to help you or a loved one better manage chronic pain symptoms.
What is a Nerve Block?
When we talk about ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks for chronic pain, it’s important to first understand what a nerve block is. Peripheral nerve blocks are a treatment that can reduce symptoms with the strategic use of anesthesia. In this method, pain sensations are blocked with an injection of anesthetic that targets that specific group of nerves.
How Ultrasound Guided Technology Helps
Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block is a procedure used in anesthesia that allows real-time imaging of the positions of the targeted nerve, needle, and surrounding vasculature. This improves the ease of performing the procedure, increases the success rate, and may reduce the risk of complications. In addition to all this, CPC’s pain clinic Morganton NC (locations also in 14 additional Asheville-area locations) pain specialists also note that it may reduce the number of local anesthetics required, while decreasing the onset time of blocks.
Common Chronic Pain Uses
Ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks can be used in a variety of applications including acute pain, chronic pain and post-surgical pain. It is important to also note that this treatment is an effective alternative to opioid medications. Within the field of chronic pain management, there are a few common conditions that research shows respond well to this specific treatment. These include the following:
Epileptic pain
Central Post-stroke pain
Headaches
Cancer pain
Low back pain
Schedule an appointment with your chronic pain specialist to see if an ultrasound guided peripheral nerve block may be right for you. If you don’t currently have a chronic pain specialist, CPC has pain management doctors accepting new patients in 15 convenient Asheville-area locations.
Side Effects & Complications
Ultrasound guided peripheral nerve injections are considered a low-risk, non-invasive treatment option. Side effects are minor and rare, possibly including the following:
Injection site soreness
Rash
Irritation/itching
Bleeding
Elevated blood sugars
Prior to receiving this treatment, your pain specialist will inform you about specific risks and/or complications to you, possibly including the following:
Infection at the injection site
Nerve damage
Hematoma
Local Anesthesia Systemic Toxicity (extremely rare)
Pain Clinic Morganton NC
At Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas, we aim to improve your quality of life by listening to you, creating custom treatment plans, and educating you as we learn more about your conditions. We’re invested in your sustained relief from pain. Our treatment plans are minimally invasive and conservative. We also provide, as a part of our team, psychologists who offer counseling and education to assist you in reaching your goal for an optimal life!